Page 50 of Captivated By Him

His loyalty to his men is admirable.

“And you think taking the deal will put them in harm’s way?” I ask. How much does this foreman know about what his union leaders are doing beneath the table?

“I think when you make a deal, you take it seriously. If that deal gets broken because someone else stepped on your toes, there could be… trouble.”

Smart man.

“And you want to be sure there’s no trouble if you take the new project.”

He shakes his head. “We’re just the worker bees, but we don’t want the new project. We’d like to stick to the original contract. I’m sure the union will have their votes and do what they will, but I want you to know what’s happening.”

I narrow my gaze on him. He’s not in charge, not with any real authority, but he’s passing on this information.

“And how do you know this deal is being struck?”

He shrugs. “Sometimes people talk around the muscle because they think we don’t have brains.”

So true.

“I appreciate the information.” I stand up from my desk and offer him my hand. “I wouldn’t worry about it too much. I’m sure your crew will be working with my family for a long time.”

His hand is callused and hard when it wraps around mine. With a quick shake he releases it.

“Good to hear.”

After he’s gone, I pick up my phone and call my brother. Whatever Kaczmarek is trying to do, we’ll be ready for the move.

* * *

Nicole sits back in her chair and rubs her stomach. She’s still wearing the white blouse and black slacks she wore to work. Her hair is pulled up into a high ponytail, and two silver rings dangle from her earlobes. Quite the professional, she appears to be.

But nothing entering my mind has anything to do with work.

“Eat enough?” I ask, sweeping my gaze over her empty plate. She ordered a large chicken pad Thai and has devoured everything but the cilantro decoration.

“Oh, my God, yes.” She grabs the glass of water in front of her plate and takes a large gulp. “That was so good. I missed this place.”

“They don’t have good Thai food in New York?” I ask.

“Oh, they do, but not like this place.” She grins. “You didn’t eat very much.” She gives a pointed look at my own pad Thai dish. I’ve eaten the shrimp from it but left the noodles.

“Wasn’t all that hungry. We’ll take it home and you can have it for lunch tomorrow.” I wave over the waiter and ask for takeout containers. “You know, instead of those nachos.”

She grins. “I like the nachos. But yes, this would be better.”

“I spoke with the foreman this afternoon and it looks like they’ll be wrapped up in a few weeks.”

“Yeah, Bobby told me.”

My ears perk. Bobby told her?

“I didn’t realize you knew him.” How close are they? And when did she meet him? Nicole is beautiful and approachable. It doesn’t surprise me she’s spoken with him, but what does surprise me is how much I don’t like it. Hate it, in fact.

“We’ve talked a little here and there. He’s usually around when I get in.” She sips her water. It’s innocent, their chats, but still my chest tightens.

“You’ve been coming in with me this past week,” I remind her.

She blinks a few times. “Are you jealous?”

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